Virtual reality may have just given autistic children a new lease of life. Autism has always been associated with learning difficulties, especially with kids affected by the Asperger’s Syndrome. It is indeed heartening to know that it is not the end of the road for both high and low-functioning autistics. Research studies conducted by the University of Haifa in Israel show that autistic children can effectively translate their virtual-world learnings to real-time situations such as crossing a street, respecting playtime rules or knowing when to stay within the confines of a place. These simple skills can be a Herculean task for children with Autism Spectrum disorders. A virtual reality program designed by the institute found that these skills can be honed if these children identify with a real situation based on what they learn through the program.
As part of the program, the institute created a virtual road crossing that led to a toy store. The response of the participants to approaching vehicles and traffic signals was evaluated. The average score showed a gradual increase from 2.66/9 in the beginning to a highly impressive 8.91/9 and the accident numbers decreased from 22 to zero. The same process was repeated in a real setting and an 8-yr old low-functioning participant actually stopped at the crossing till the signal turned green. The same results were noticed in 3 out of 6 students. The program has been refined and expanded to include new situations and the results have been quite promising. This finding is certainly a giant leap in the study of autism and its treatment.
